Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment

Qualitative analysis of strategies for maximizing the utilization of Taung irrigation scheme, South Africa by farmers

Author(s):

S. S. Tekana, O. I. Oladele ^*

Recieved Date: 2011-06-20, Accepted Date: 2011-10-08

Abstract:

The Taung irrigation scheme was established in 1939 by South African government and covers 1054 hectares. The prevailing semi-arid and arid conditions of the area necessitated the establishment of the irrigation scheme to support agricultural activities and other related livelihoods. The scheme had gone through several management and administration settings and styles over time with a view to improve its impact on the users. Presently, about 71% of the irrigation scheme is under centre pivot system and the reamining area is covered by conventional sprinkler system. The scheme allocates at least 1.7 hectare per farmer. The objective of this paper was to examine the current strategies in place in order to harness and maximize the effective use of the scheme. A qualitative approach, Focus Group Discussion (FGD), was used to elicit information from farmers on the irrigation scheme which were organized into focus group discussion with 5 groups with 10 farmers in each group. Issues for discussion included the interventions that have been introduced to maximize the use of the scheme among farmers. Farmers on irrigation scheme were grouped on the basis of gender and types of crop produced. The results show that strategies include the introduction of the scheme to emerging farmers, formation of farmers groups and cooperatives, the creation of an extension area for the scheme as well as the allocation of extension officer to cover the scheme. Others include diversification of crop production, creation of marketing outlet and micro-financing of farmers on the scheme. These strategies were introduced in order to provide additional support services to farmers on the scheme in order to maximize the utilization of the scheme. This paper concludes on how each of these strategies had helped maximize the utilization of the irrigation scheme.

Keywords:

Water, farmers, Taung irrigation scheme, strategies South Africa

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Journal: Journal of Food, Agriculture and Environment
Year: 2011
Volume: 9
Issue: 3&4
Category: Environment
Pages: 907-911

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